Letters to the editor: A lesson in taking responsibility

A lesson in taking responsibility

The anniversary of the D-Day invasion should lead us something that is rare today – the moral responsibility of leadership.

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the allied commander, was aware of just how perilous the assault would be. On the eve of the invasion he wrote a message to be made public in case of failure. Eisenhower was so anxious that he mistakenly dated the note July 5 instead of June 6. In four sentences he accepted full responsibility.

The undelivered message read: "Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone."

The second sentence originally began "This particular operation.” But Eisenhower crossed that out and substituted the more personal "My decision to attack."

Today our would-be leaders typically blame someone else for their blunders, or decide that they just need better “messaging.” As we recognize the valor of the men who fought at Normandy, we should also salute the kind of moral leadership that Americans once took for granted.

Kevin Kerrane

Newark

Consider a sales tax

Once again, a lead story in The News Journal concerned the Delaware legislature’s attempts to approve a budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

This annual process usually results in cuts to essential programs and increases in existing taxes and fees, while forcing the state to continue to do without things like education reform, transportation infrastructure repair and replacement and raises for state employees, to name just a few. This annual exercise simply continues the practice of ‘kicking the can down the road’ with respect to permanent budget reform.

A permanent solution to the state’s budget woes will not be achieved until we identify a new revenue source that is responsive to economic growth and reduces volatility yet maintains Delaware’s competitiveness with surrounding states.

A modest 2 percent statewide sales tax could generate at least $500 million annually, still allow Delaware to maintain its tax advantage with neighboring states and enable Delaware to permanently solve its budget problems.

In turn, the General Assembly could work on improving Delaware’s education system, public safety and economy, which is a much more productive use of its time and effort.

Richard Rind

Middletown

Fond memory of Ron Williams

I was shocked to read of the passing of Ron Williams, a former member of the Laurel community. I'd like to share my favorite story about Ron.

He played halfback for the Laurel Bulldogs. It was a Thanksgiving game with archrival Seaford. Seaford was winning. Laurel's coach, George Schollenberger, was not a fan of the passing game or gimmick plays; just block, tackle and run the ball.

I was announcing the game. Laurel surprised everyone by running a reverse. Ron received the ball and appeared on his way for a large gain or maybe a touchdown as Seaford was caught off guard. Williams ran to the left, Seaford's players were fooled into running to the right.

Shocked, I blurted over the speakers, "It's a reverse". Apparently, the Seaford players heard me, stopped dead in their tracks, headed for Williams and he was creamed. Schollenberger looked up at me if looks could kill.

Williams often commented, "I could have been a hero, but for you.”

Needless to say, that was my last game as an announcer.

Frank B. Calio

Laurel

Honor Gov. Peterson's legacy

For decades my late husband, Russell Peterson, was a champion for Delaware’s Coastal Zone Act. As governor and as president of National Audubon Society, his vision for Delaware’s coast created a national template for sustaining conservation of important ecosystems while recognizing the modern realities of commerce and business interests.

For the past 46 years, the Coastal Zone Act has been very effective. Our Coastal Zone is one of the more important recreational areas in the nation. All of the benefits of the Coastal Zone Act have become essential parts of the Delaware experience, including: protecting clean water; bird sanctuaries; preserving quality of life in low income coastal communities; and preserving the natural spaces that drive our tourism industry.

It greatly disturbs me to hear that the accomplishments of the Coastal Zone Act are now at risk and may not be experienced by future generations. If alive today, Russ would be adamantly opposed to making changes to the CZA to allow for new heavy industry and bulk product transfer. I have no doubt that he would be in Dover lobbying for the sanctity of the Coastal Zone Act. I am counting on the Governor and the General Assembly to continue Russ’s great work. Let us continue to move forward with Russ’s grand vision for a better Delaware and a better world by leaving the Coastal Zone Act unchanged.